Pictures: An insider's look at the pioneering Curtiss Flying School in Newport News

CaptionThe Curtiss Flying School

Courtesy of Kurt P. Wheaton

The pioneering Curtiss Flying School opened off Jefferson Avenue in Newport News in December 1915. Shown at left is a Curtiss Flying Boat entering the waters of Hampton Roads. The ferry dock can be seen in the right background.

The pioneering Curtiss Flying School opened off Jefferson Avenue in Newport News in December 1915. Shown at left is a Curtiss Flying Boat entering the waters of Hampton Roads. The ferry dock can be seen in the right background. (Courtesy of Kurt P. Wheaton)

This 1916 view from the roof of the Curtiss Flying School hangars shows the Small Boat Harbor and Jefferson Avenue as well as a Speed Scout and Curtiss JN4 biplane in the foreground.

This 1916 view from the roof of the Curtiss Flying School hangars shows the Small Boat Harbor and Jefferson Avenue as well as a Speed Scout and Curtiss JN4 biplane in the foreground. (Courtesy of Kurt P. Wheaton)

Among the finest images documenting the historic achievements of Newport News' pioneering Curtiss Flying School is the collection assembled by Ivan P. Wheaton, a noted automobile racer who earned his pilot's license at the school in 1916. Though most were taken by Curtiss photographer Frank J. Conway, others appear to have been taken by Wheaton himself, and several may have been shot by Newport News native Cary Epes, who died alongside instructor Victor Carlstrom in May 1917 when the right wing sheared off their plane at 3,500 feet. Wheaton later served as a World War I aviator. You can find more information and pictures about his racing and aviation career on his grandson's blogs at http://ivanpwheaton.blogspot.com/ and http://ivanpwheaton.smugmug.com. -- Click here to find more Hampton Roads History photo galleries. Mark St. John EricksonCourtesy of Kurt P. Wheaton